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Nuuk, [1] also known by its Danish name of Godthåb (Good Hope), is the capital and administrative centre of Greenland, with a population of around 15,000 (about 1/4 the entire population of the country). The city is sometimes accused of being rather soulless, with many high-rise blocks.

Nuuk is the most populous town in Greenland with 15,862 residents, making it one of the least populated national capitals in the world. Hans Egede founded Nuuk in 1728 at the mouth of a giant fjord system in Western Greenland. Today, the bustling city, by Greenlandic standards, is home to the Katuaq Culture Center, the National Museum as well as many other popular tourist attractions.

Nuuk, like most other areas in Greenland, features an arctic climate. In the winter temperatures go as low as -30°C, in the spring -5°C and summer about 5-10°C. Snowfall can occur at any time of the year.

There is no road or rail system connecting cities within Greenland. The only practical means to travel is by boat or air. On foot is less practical and far more strenuous.

Nuuk is easily accessible. There are daily flights from Kangerlussuaq and regular flights to other towns in Greenland. There is also service to Reykjavik airport in the summer. From mid-March through October there are flights from Keflavik International Airport in Iceland. There are also boats schedule to stop in Nuuk from Easter to Christmas.

Nuuk is easy to get around on foot; it has the most advanced road network of any Greenlandic town, with over 100km of roads in the town. There are also buses and taxi services that make it easy to get from A to B in Nuuk. In the winter, there are illuminated ski trails around the city making it even easier to get around quickly.

Nuuk has a small bus company (Nuup Bussii A/S), or you can rent a car.

Greenland’s National Museum, as well as the Nuuk Museum of Art both host cultural and historical exhibitions. Famous mummies, historical costumes and amulets can be found in the national Museum. The Museum of Art has over 300 paintings for visitors to enjoy. Also in Nuuk is the Culture House, which focuses mainly on contemporary art exhibitions and live performances.

Katuaq Culture Center, Imaneq 21, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland, ☎(+299) 32 33 00 (reception@katuaq.gl), [5]. This center is ideal for large meetings and conventions being held in Nuuk. There is also a cafe and restaurant on site that can be used by the public. edit

Three species of whales are usually sighted in the fjord system around Nuuk. Humpback, minke and fin whales are almost always present from May to November and there is a good chance of seeing them on a cruise or sailing excursion.

With so many different sights in Nuuk, the best way to explore the city is on a guided tour. On these tours, the guides will tell you everything about the city, as well as the museum and culture center. These types of tours can usually be arranged with the local tourist offices.

Sailing in Nuuk is the ultimate opportunity to see whales, seals as well as the beautiful landscapes where the sea meets the mountains in the fjords. The fjords are often filled with icebergs as well. Sailing trips that stop in Nuuk usually sail from Ilulissat to Qaqortoq.

In Nuuk, hiking enthusiasts can journey to the top of Sermitsiaq or Lille Malene, both of which are landmark mountains near Nuuk. They both take just a few hours to reach on foot and the views are amazing from the top. It is also possible to hike to the Norse Settlement Sandnæs, which is the largest Norse farmstead in Western Greenland.

Several hiking routes start from Nuuk:

An easy hike from the Circuslake around the mountain Little Marlene follows a marked trail.

A unmarked trek goes up Big Marlene and offers a view over Nuuk from above. Parts of this trail is on mountain sides with large boulders or steep climbs up loose rocks.

There are several illuminated cross-country ski runs in Nuuk; many of the runs are several kilometers in length. Most of these runs are to the southeast of the town. Alpine skiing is also popular in Nuuk; the town has an 1100-meter lift for it ski runs. Heliskiing is also available just North of Nuuk for thrill seeking tourists.

The Nuuk Marathon is held in August, but participants need to be prepared for wind, rain and single digit temperatures. The course is particularly challenging, and has many inclines and steep slopes to push participants to their limit.

Air Zafari Greenland ApS, P.O. Box 568, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland, (info@airzafari.gl), [7]. Offers plane tours ranging from 1 hour to several hour expeditions. Most of their excursions are designed more for sightseeing. DKK1295-DKK4495/person depending on location and length. edit

Cafe Barista, Spindlers Bakke 10C, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland, ☎(+299) 32 11 14 (info@barista.gl), [26]. 11am-midnight. The place to get good coffee, slushies, and sandwiches. When you enter Barista you will enter the Bar and Cafe, upstairs is where the computers for Teens or adults to use: you can go on the Internet and play games.DKK 25 for coffee.. edit

Cafe Chili, Aqqusinersuaq 9, P.O. Box 1336, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland, ☎(+299) 32 40 60 (info@cafechili.gl), [27]. 8-22. This cafe offers a varied menu, including many meat and steak dishes as well as Thai dishes. Some are available for take away. Almost everything is very reasonably priced on the menu.DKK30-110, Average: DKK75. edit

Godthaab Bryghus, Imaneq 30, ☎''+299'' 34 80 60 (info@nuukcafe.gl), [31]. This brewpub have good beer and good food. Burgers and steaks, often serves muskox, reindeer and lamb (also offers a tour for DKK100-150 per person depending on day and number of people).DKK 200. edit

Downtown Nuuk offers a variety of locations for the enjoyment of alcoholic beverages, all within quick walking distance of each other. Nearly all pubs offer the same selection of beer (Classic on tap and Tuborg and Carlsberg in bottles) at the same (expensive) price (DKK60 for 40cl of draft), but beer from Godthaab Bryghus is also available.

Greenlandic coffee is prepared with coffee, whiskey, kahlua, whipped cream and grand marnier. It is prepared at the table in a little show
and if you ask, you also get the story.

Hotel Nordbo, Vandsøvej 13, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland, ☎(+299) 32 66 44 (info@nordbo.gl), [41]. Has 25 hotel apartments available in the center of Nuuk and on the southern part of town. Private entrances, private bathrooms and kitchens. Wifi and TVs in apartments. Can arrange to have a pet stay as well, must be approved by the management. Apartments come with 1-3 bedrooms.DKK1,000-1,700. edit

As Nuuk is only a small town, with a population of about 15,000, there is more or less no crime, there are no slums, and no places you should avoid, you can walk around everywhere at anytime and stay safe if you just use your common sense.